Review of Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) by Archibald T — 22 Mar 2011

"I don't explain my movies, it only ruins the emotion.".

We move pass a cell wall, blank and unkept until we see clothes hung up, photos of movie stars. It all has a woman's touch, but no woman resides in this cell.

The voice of a man, Molina, talking about his favorite film, going into incredible detail, to his fellow inmate Valentin. Much of Molina's favorite film is weaved in and out of the film itself, giving the viewer two films for the price of one.

Molina's film is more of a fantasy for the both of them to escape, since they can't escape from their cell. Valentin is imprisoned due to his involvement in some sort of revolution.

Valentin lacks the idealism for which Molina already has, but Molina is too caught up in the clouds of fantasy to realize the truth that is reality. Fits of rage hit Valentin when Molina tries to cloud his mind with his flights of fantasy.

It is Molina though who harbors a secret, one that will get him out of jail. Valentin begins to see Molina in a different light, one where he thinks he can trust him. He tells about his girlfriend Lydia and asks Molina to do him a favor by getting in contact with her once he's out. She is part of the revolution as well and the police keep a watch on Molina, waiting for him to make that phone call.

This film was up for a few Oscars back in 1985. William Hurt won for best actor for which he most certainly deserved. Let's also never forget Raul Julia, a great great actor. The direction is beautiful, the story is inspiring in the way it is creative and complex.